Sociology and social work

Colonial savages and heroic tricksters: Native Americans in the American tradition

Article Abstract:

Native Americans have invariably been historically perceived as being simultaneously heroic and savages, primarily because of the relations between colonized and colonizer. American print culture has sought to portray Native Americans as being naturally heroic in temperament, with Euro-Americans encouraged to emulate this character. Early Euro-Americans would base their opinions of the whole population of Native Americans on their experiences with individual Native Americans.

Author: Mitchell, David T., Hearn, Melissa

Publisher:Blackwell Publishers Ltd.Publication Name:Journal of Popular CultureSubject:Sociology and social workISSN:0022-3840Year:1999

Hero as salesman, salesman as hero: the heroic art of representation

Article Abstract:

Selling is transformed into an heroic act because a salesman reinforces a customer's sense of identity, solving a problem and signalling the end of a search. Salesmen are mistrusted by the public though the concept of heroism permeates the art of selling. The sales act requires heroic resolve, and salesmen support a market economy by ensuring that manufactured goods are sold, becoming heroes when successful.

Author: Baldwin, Marc

Publisher:Blackwell Publishers Ltd.Publication Name:Journal of Popular CultureSubject:Sociology and social workISSN:0022-3840Year:1992

Research into the concept of women heroines and the lack of heroines in the United States history between 1950 and 1970 is presented. Literary representations of heroines are discussed. Particular attention is given to the heroines' domestic characteristics.

Author: Hume, Janice

Publisher:Blackwell Publishers Ltd.Publication Name:Journal of Popular CultureSubject:Sociology and social workISSN:0022-3840Year:2000